Publishers Simon & Schuster (CBS), HarperCollins (NWS, NWSA), and Hachette are reportedly close to reaching a settlement over the price-fixing investigations launched by U.S. and E.U. authorities, one that's expected to result in retailers such as Amazon (AMZN) once more having the power to set e-book pricing. However, Apple (AAPL) and two publishers - Pearson (PSO) and Macmillan - don't appear close to settling. (also)